Design in Our Lives

                Functional objects can be defined as anything that can be used one-time or repetitively to achieve some goal.  Non-functional objects cannot be used physically in the traditional sense, but can fulfill other types of needs besides utility.  Sculptures are perfect examples of low functional objects because they cannot be used for anything, but they might serve another human need of seeking atheistic objects in a hostile and uncertain world.

                The two functional objects I chose can be used repeatedly and both would be found in someone’s home were the “Tuttuno” and “Floor Tiles”.  The “Tuttuno” was essentially a piece of furniture which had a bed, shelves, storage space and an elevated area to socialize.  This piece was highly functional in the sense that it tried to accomplish many needs in one place by limiting the space actually used.  In cities like Tokyo and New York City where the apartments can be very small this type of unit would be very attractive.  IKEA can be viewed as the ergonomic furniture company because it also has similar types of furniture pieces by creating maximum utility in minimum space.

                The other functional exhibit I chose, “Floor Tiles”, has some very simple household or outdoor uses.  For example, people may install floor tiles in their home because it is more hygienic and easier to clean than other alternatives such as carpeting.  However, wood and tile floors are very similar and someone might choose tiles for a low functional reason because they think it looks better.

                The low functional exhibits I chose were “Stars and Doves” and “Welding Helmet”.  “Stars and Doves” is a sculpture and always should be considered low functional in normal circumstances because it can perform no real action.  However, under extreme conditions such as a robbery in your home maybe that same low functional sculpture can turn into a high functional object at that specific moment in time, if you use it has a weapon to protect yourself.   The “Welding Helmet” is only useful for a specific task which is welding metal, but it has no real use outside of this activity under normal circumstances.

                In conclusion, whether an object has a low or high functionality depends on how integrated it can become in our daily lives to help us achieve certain goals and / or needs.  However, low functionality does not mean any functionality because there could always be extreme conditions which could make the lowest functioning object highly functional.  Finally, some works of art themselves can be highly functional in our minds psychologically because it can help us heal emotionally and spiritually, but perform no real function in the physical world.

Carol Bimbi, Gianni Ferrara & Nilo Giocchini

“Tuttuno”

Plywood covered with plastic laminate

1971

Antoni Gaudi

“Floor Tiles”

Ceramic

1971

Antoni Gaudi

“Stars and Doves”

Plaster

1926

Eugene Walters

“Welding Helmet”

Fiberglass and plastic

1980